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Psychiatric Mental Health

Nurse Practitioner Programs

Make a Lasting Impact

  • 3 Flexible Online Program Tracks
    3 Flexible Online Program Tracks

    SMU offers flexible and comprehensive curriculum you need to succeed.

  • 100 + Years of Expertise
    100 + Years of Expertise

    Learn from experienced professionals who are leaders in psychiatric mental health nursing.

  • 86% of Employers Favor Our Graduates
    86% of Employers Favor Our Graduates

    SMU is ranked #1 in California for post-grad jobs.

  • Scholarships Available
    Scholarships Available

    Earn up to $10,000 toward your MSN program or $30,000 for your DNP program. Connect with an admission counselor to learn more.

  • Fully Online
    Fully Online

    Earn your degree 100% online with the flexibility to study on your schedule.

Discover How SMU Can Help
You Advance Your Career

At Samuel Merritt University, we understand that mental health is at the
forefront of global healthcare needs. Our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner Program is designed to empower nursing professionals like you
to become leaders in this critical field.

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Specialized Tracks

Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health 
Nurse Practitioner
Become a leader in mental health care with our MSN-PMHNP program. Designed for RNs with a bachelor’s degree, this program equips you with advanced skills to address complex mental health needs and deliver compassionate, patient-centered care across all ages and settings. Prepare for diverse opportunities in clinical practice, leadership, education, and policy advocacy.

Format

Online with two 3-day on-campus residencies

Duration

Full-Time: 18 months (5 semesters)
Part-Time: 24 months (7 semesters)

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Doctor of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health 
Nurse Practitioner
Our DNP-PMHNP program empowers bachelor’s and master’s-prepared RNs to lead in mental health care. As a DNP student, you’ll gain advanced skills to advocate for policy changes, implement evidence-based practices, and lead teams across diverse settings—like hospitals, clinics, private practices, and even in teaching roles—driving systemic improvements in mental health.

Format

Online

Duration

3 Years (9 Semesters)

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Psychiatric Mental Health 
Nurse Practitioner Certificate
This certificate program is for nurses with a non-clinical master’s degree or a different specialty who want to advance in mental health care. Designed to fit students’ schedules, it allows for study while working. Graduates are eligible for the ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner exam.

Format

Online

Duration

20 Months (5 Semesters)

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Good clinical sites, great faculty support and involvement in the profession has been a great influence on the students.

Rebekah Chung

DNP-A ‘26

Our Campuses

Samuel Merritt University offers undergraduate, graduate,
doctoral, and nursing certificate programs at three
campuses in Northern California and online.

Oakland

3100 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, California 94609
800.607.6377

Sacramento

2710 N. Gateway Oaks Dr.
Suite 360
Sacramento, California 95833
800.607.6377

Fresno

1791 E. Fir Ave.
Fresno, California 93720
800.607.6377

San Francisco Peninsula

1720 South Amphlett Blvd.
Suite 300
San Mateo, California 94402
800.607.6377

Online Programs

800.607.6377
admission@samuelmerritt.edu

Our Campuses

Samuel Merritt University offers undergraduate, graduate,
doctoral, and nursing certificate programs at three
campuses in Northern California and online.

Oakland

3100 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, California 94609
800.607.6377

Sacramento

2710 N. Gateway Oaks Dr.
Suite 360
Sacramento, California 95833
800.607.6377

Fresno

1791 E. Fir Ave.
Fresno, California 93720
800.607.6377

San Francisco Peninsula

1720 South Amphlett Blvd.
Suite 300
San Mateo, California 94402
800.607.6377

Online Programs

800.607.6377
admission@samuelmerritt.edu

800.607.6377
3100 Telegraph Ave. Oakland, California 94609
admission@samuelmerritt.edu
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